As soon as my mom tasted it, she rushed over to get the recipe from me.

Patty melts are a comforting classic that always hit the spot, especially on busy weeknights. This beloved diner favorite, with its crispy bread, juicy burger, melty cheese, and delicious caramelized onions, is a nostalgic treat that’s surprisingly easy to recreate at home. And let's not forget the star of this recipe – the secret sauce that takes it to the next level! Perfect for satisfying those cravings without having to leave the house.

Patty melts pair wonderfully with crispy fries or a fresh side salad to balance out the richness. For a bit of variety, consider serving them with sweet potato fries or a light coleslaw. Don't forget a pickle spear on the side for that perfect tangy crunch!

Servings: 4

1 lb ground beef
1 large onion, thinly sliced
8 slices rye bread
4 slices Swiss cheese
4 slices cheddar cheese
Butter, for grilling
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Start by making the secret sauce. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well and set aside.

In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are caramelized, about 15-20 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape them into thin patties. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

In the same skillet, cook the patties over medium-high heat until they are cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Butter one side of each slice of rye bread. Place 4 slices, butter-side down, on a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat.

Top each slice of bread with a slice of Swiss cheese, a cooked patty, caramelized onions, a slice of cheddar cheese, and another slice of bread, butter-side up.

Cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Once done, remove from the skillet and let the patty melts rest for a minute before slicing them in half. Serve immediately with the secret sauce on the side or drizzled over the top.

For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also switch up the cheeses to your preference, like using pepper jack for a spicy kick. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try using a plant-based burger patty. Don’t skip the secret sauce—it's what makes this recipe special!